Sene Confirms Overseas Interest

Revolution striker Saer Sene, seen here at last month’s Season Ticket Holder event, confirmed on Thursday that his agent has been contacted by other clubs about a possible transfer. (Photo: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Few things scream “summer” in Major League Soccer like mid-season transfer rumors, and for the first time in years, a Revolution player is at the center of such speculation.

On Thursday, Sene spoke about the rumors, but didn’t get into specifics about which teams had their eyes on him.

“Yes, (my agent) has been contacted,” Sene told New England Soccer Today following training in Thursday. “(But) I’m focused on here and I’m getting ready for the game on Saturday against San Jose.”

The 26-year-old French forward commenced his playing career in the Paris Saint-Germain youth system before moving on to lower-division FC Etampes (France). He later signed with Bayern Munich, where he regularly featured with the reserve team before the Revolution signed him in February 2012.

Sene has scored 12 goals in 36 appearances for the Revolution. Last year, he became the first Revolution player to rack up a double-digit goal total since Taylor Twellman scored 16 in 2007.

After Thursday’s training session, Revolution head coach Jay Heaps didn’t seem all concerned about the attention his striker is getting, and actually pointed to the benefits of having a player on another team’s radar.

“To me, it’s extra motivation for those guys (at center of transfer rumors),” Heaps told New England Soccer Today. “If they are catching the eyes of other teams, then they have to step on the field on Saturday and know that (other) teams are watching them.”

Heaps also said that “rumors are rumors,” and added that transfer speculation doesn’t always mean a move is imminent. He cited Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi as an example of a player who, despite numerous transfer rumors, decided upon staying in MLS.

“I think that (Zusi) has shown that he can change the game for MLS,” Heaps said. “His work rate and approach to every game is second to none and those things are important. Players like him are catching the eye (of other teams) and will have success, but that doesn’t mean they’re going anywhere.”

Heaps hinted that a formal offer hasn’t yet been presented to the club.

“If an offer comes through, and that’s something we have to look at, then we’ll look at it,” Heaps said. “But if it’s just interest, then that’s great, and if it’s just rumors, then we’ll deal with it.”

As for Sene, he doesn’t see anything unusual about the situation, especially after the success he’s attained since joining the Revolution 18 months ago.

“I think this is normal because when you perform well, another team (may) want you – maybe back in France,” Sene said. “It’s (flattering). Anything can happen in soccer. I can move, or I can stay. (But) now, I’m just trying to focus on my job, play soccer, and just having fun. But we’ll see what happens.”

3 Comments

Well I guess it shows favorably on the Revs organization if top-flight European teams are courting their players. At least there’s that. Who was the last #NeRevs player to draw interest from Europe? Dempsey?

Unfortunately I can’t see any real good for the Revs coming out of this possible move. MLS ‘ transfer policy doesn’t exactly reap instant rewards for the selling team. (Although the Dempsey Academy has been firing on all cylinders lately).

Good for Sene, he deserves it, but bad for the Revs if he leaves mid season. I figured we’d only be adding to our squad!

I would rather not lose Saer Sene. Bengston has turned out to be not a good choice, but Saer is getting healthier & is showing that he can score at least 5+ goals the rest of the season. Hope he stays a rev.

About Brian O'Connell

Brian O'Connell (@BrianOConnell21) serves as editor and staff writer at New England Soccer Today. He's also the Revolution beat writer for ESPNFC, and is Officer at Large for the North American Soccer Reporters. He's contributed to The Associated Press, The Canadian Press, and has been featured on MLSSoccer.com & RevsNet.com. E-mail: BOConnell21@aol.com